Contents

About the course

The PGCE Music is an 11-16 programme designed by the Waverley School Direct and Birmingham City University teams to develop your skills and confidence as a teacher in our schools. You will develop understanding of techniques used by experienced teachers and how they are used to help children of all abilities and needs grasp the more complex ideas in the secondary national curriculum.

We have designed our PGCE course to maximise your experience in classrooms, but also to take advantage of the depth and breadth of experience of university tutors, underpinned by educational theory. We start with a 4 day induction in July, with sessions at Waverley School and time visiting your host school, where you will train for the academic year. You will benefit from the full university PGCE provision, plus an additional school-led programme delivered jointly by practising primary and secondary teachers. This equates to approximately 40 days' training at BCU, focused on subject pedagogy, professional studies and support with academic writing, plus 12 twilight training sessions at Waverley School. In addition there is the daily support and guidance provided by your mentor and subject colleagues in your host school.

The university input is front-loaded to September, so following the first day in school, you will attend university for two and a half weeks until you rejoin your school. You are then in school full-time, only returning to university for subject pedagogy sessions on Mondays. This pattern is repeated in January and then, after February half-term, we place you in a second school for a placement of about six weeks until Easter. You then return to your main host school until the end of the summer term.

You are assessed against the Teacher Standards through regular lesson observation with supportive feedback and ongoing self-reflection on your progress. You will also complete three Master’s Level assignments, the last of which is a ‘Professional Enquiry’ based on your own teaching. After your assessment for QTS and PGCE is completed around the end of June, you will be supported until the end of the summer term to extend your experience through your choice of focus, aimed at enhancing your early career prospects and enabling you to be the best teacher you can be.

Interview process

We review all applications to assess eligibility and potential suitability for the programme to which a candidate is applying. We recruit and fill places from when UCAS opens in October, so do not delay in submitting your application. We close courses as they are filled; and at the latest by 30 June 2019.

We work with our university partners to co-ordinate the recruitment process and hold interviews on a regular basis. You will be asked to attend one interview day, usually at Waverley School. A senior Waverley School Direct colleague and a subject expert will sit on every panel and sometimes partner schools are also represented.

The interview consists of an observed teaching activity, involving a small group of students, where we gauge your ability to interact with the young people you wish to teach. You will be given information about this in advance. There is also a set of formal interview questions where we evaluate your experience of working with young people to date, your subject knowledge, and your commitment to, and understanding of, the role of a trainee and teacher.

You will be given the opportunity to observe part of a lesson in our secondary school and reflect on what you've seen. You will also complete a diagnostic literacy exercise, the purpose of which is to gauge what additional support, if any, you might need, especially in completion of PGCE elements.

How school placements work

We actively recruit for the trainees we want and need for our core partnership of five secondary schools in the centre and east of Birmingham, all of which are within a five mile radius of Waverley School. We all share the common goal of making a real difference through the power of education to the areas of socio-economic disadvantage within which we are located.

We also work with a wider network of schools to offer both main and second placements, numbering over 15 schools we have worked with over the last three years. Sometimes a new school approaches us as they already know a potential applicant; and sometimes an applicant introduces a potential new host school to us. We are always happy to consider new partners. Some trainees travel long distances from outside the area to come and work with us so we really value this wider network of partners.

We take many factors into account when selecting main and second placements for our trainees, with home location and candidate's second language being key considerations. We also invite successful applicants to express a preference should they wish following interview and we will take reasons given into account when making decisions.

Our secondary programmes are focused on the 11-16 age range, but we will ensure that you have access to post-16 teaching at your main or second school or as an additional short placement. You will also spend one day at Waverley Studio College during your programme to explore alternative post-14 provision. Finally you will undertake a two day placement at a primary school with a focus on transition from KS2 to KS3.

Our course is designed so that you benefit from the best that Birmingham City University and 'on-the-job' learning can offer. You can expect to spend over 150 days in classrooms working with children, about 30 days of which will be in your second school.

Fees

The course fees for 2019/2020 are as follows:

Student type

Fees to pay

UK students

£9,250

EU students

£9,250

Financial support

You’ll get a bursary of £9,000 if you have a degree of 2:2 or above in any subject.

You don’t have to apply for a bursary - you’ll automatically start receiving it once you begin your course. Find out how you’ll be paid.

Requirements

Qualifications

An honours degree from a UK Higher Education Institution, or equivalent qualification. At least 50% of the degree content will usually be in the subject that you wish to teach. We consider applicants on a case by case basis.

GCSE in English language and Maths at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.

You must meet academic requirements by the start of the course, not necessarily before application. At interview your subject knowledge will be discussed and a Subject Knowledge Enhancement programme may be a condition of any offer.

Personal qualities

You need a passion for teaching and developing young people. You will want to make a difference in some of the most socio-economically deprived areas of Birmingham. You will have excellent communication skills and be reflective, able to respond positively to feedback and learn from your mistakes. We are looking for resilience, trainees who can both work hard and keep trying when things do not go to plan. We need team players, willing to support others – and to be supported. You need to be organised and highly professional at all times. And you need to enjoy learning yourself!

Other requirements

The requirements below need to be met by successful applicants following acceptance of our offer:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Fitness to Teach process.

DfE Literacy and Numeracy Skills Tests.

About the training provider

Our partnership of schools work in areas of significant socio-economic disadvantage and, together with our university partners, we are passionate about providing high-quality teaching and learning opportunities to all the children in our care. We really make a difference and we work hard to recruit, train and retain talented new colleagues in our schools. We are now recruiting for our sixth cohort of aspiring teachers.

Extensive support provided by high-quality tutors, subject colleagues and School Direct staff;

100% employment rate for our trainees across the last three years;

The option to develop a SEND focus or other area of interest;

Starting your teaching career in Birmingham: great diversity, social life and affordability!

When designing our training programme we draw on some of the unique features of Waverley School, an all-through school housed in brand new award-winning facilities. Please come and visit us to find out more!

Training with disabilities and other needs

Trainees are encouraged to declare any additional needs that they might have through the initial application process and the Fitness to Teach process for successful applicants. Needs are also addressed through the nature of our individualised training programmes. Our aim is to enable trainees to participate fully in all aspects of their training. All trainees attend Waverley School for school-led sessions plus the relevant university/college provider for their course. Please see more information about each site below.

Waverley School provides lift access to all floors and numerous accessible toilet facilities. There is also step-free access to the Training facility via the car park should lifts not be in service.

Newman University has accessibility arrangements across its site and offers a full Disability and Mental Health Service for its students. Please see their website.

Birmingham City University (MFL and Music Programmes only) is based at City South campus where all areas which require student access are accessible to wheelchair users. There is a full Disability Support Team available. Please see their website.

South Birmingham SCITT (Secondary English alternative option only) is based at The 6th Form College, Solihull, where most areas of the College are fully accessible or with alternative arrangements if not. Please see their website.

Support and advice

Get support and advice about teaching

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